Apple is set to begin manufacturing its AirPods wireless earphones in India for the first time in early 2025 in an attempt to reduce its reliance on China. The new production facility, located near Hyderabad in Telangana, will be operated by a unit of Apple’s supplier, Foxconn Technology Group. Assembly of the popular earphones is expected to start in the first quarter of the year, with full-scale production ramping up soon after, according to sources familiar with the matter.
This move will make AirPods the second major Apple product to be assembled in India, following the iPhone. Apple has been expanding its manufacturing footprint in the country as part of its broader efforts to diversify its supply chain amid rising tensions between the US and China. The Indian government’s subsidies, along with a skilled labor force and improving technological infrastructure, have made India an increasingly attractive alternative to China for Apple and other multinational companies.
Apple is actively working to reduce its dependence on China as part of a broader strategy to mitigate the risks associated with geopolitical tensions, trade disputes, and supply chain disruptions. Over the past few years, Apple has been diversifying its manufacturing footprint, seeking to establish production hubs in countries like India, Vietnam, and other emerging markets. By shifting more production to these regions, Apple aims to ensure the continuity of its supply chain, reduce costs, and increase flexibility in response to unforeseen disruptions. This move not only allows Apple to lessen its vulnerability to China’s economic policies and political climate but also aligns with the growing trend among global companies to de-risk their operations by exploring more geographically diversified alternatives. Through these efforts, Apple is positioning itself to better navigate an increasingly complex and unpredictable global market.
